Hanson

Hanson Artistfacts

  • 1992-
    Taylor HansonVocals, keyboards
    Isaac HansonGuitar, vocals
    Zac HansonDrums, vocals
  • The three members are brothers, the oldest of seven siblings. They have three sisters - Avery, Jessica, and Zoe - and a brother named Mac who is also a musician. Mac formed a band called Joshua and the Holy Rollers.
  • They started writing songs and playing together in 1992 when Zac was just 6. They released two independent albums before Mercury Records signed them and released Middle Of Nowhere in 1997, which included their mega-hit, "MMMbop." When the album was released, Taylor was 16, Isaac 14, and Zac 11.
  • All three brothers were home schooled by their parents in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They got a lot of music education along the way, as their parents exposed them to lots of music, especially Rock and R&B from the '50s and '60s.
  • Before they rose to fame, the most famous Hanson brothers were fictional: three goofy-looking, pugnacious guys with glasses who played "old time hockey" in the 1977 Paul Newman movie Slap Shot. In real life, they were the Carlson brothers. They were so popular, they would often get paid to appear at hockey games and other events, typically in character.
  • In a Songfacts interview with Zac, he explained their songwriting process: "The three of us always get our two cents in to make the song better, whether it's just a couple of lyrics, a melody or chord change, whatever it is, everybody ends up coming in and adding their musical sense and ear to each song. I don't know if it's being brothers, or if it's the fact that we've been playing together for 12 years and we know each other really well, but I think it's really just a mutual respect we have for each other's abilities. I really do love the songs that Tay and his musical sense bring to the table, and Ike's sense, and I think that's what it comes down to - respecting each other's opinions and knowing they've written a lot of songs you enjoy, and you want to know what they think."
  • They all married women who were once fans and attended Hanson shows. All of them started their own families and had at least three kids each.

Comments: 6

  • Cora from Phoenix, AzI have to add regarding Hanson, if anyone has researched and read any bio's on these guys, it is amazing how balanced, non-celebrity airheads they are. They have grown up so fast..and if I remember correctly..one of them..I believe Zac commented to an interview question about their young ages at start-up - the remark was made.."what did you want us to do wait another 20 years".. fortunately their parents did not impair, or delay their desire to proceed. More parents should be so observant and insightful. The result was doing what they love..so they are naturally successful...because it came naturally. Throw out the molds society places on us, and go with what God gave you.
  • Cora from Phoenix, AzRegarding comment that none of the Hanson brothers are cute, are you narrow. They have soooo much appeal not to mention talent, free expression, natural, and all three stunning in their own right...I prefer long hair on guys as do alot of us gals. They look equally cool in the short locks too. The TALENT...lends to their heightened appeal bar-none! I hope they never stop sharing their talent and growth. They are the best thing since sliced bread! Perfecto!
  • Danci from Treetown, OkNone of them are cute, they all look like girls.
  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrThis comment is for anyone who is an absolute fan of Hanson. Between Isaac, Zach and Taylor, who is the cutest of the Hanson Brothers?
  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrThis comment is for anyone who is a fan of Hanson. Who is the cutest of the Hanson Brothers?
  • Julie from Lodi, CaI love the Hanson brothers. You can tell they were having fun when they were singing in their songs. I wish they would come out with a new album...
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